Objective To determine the effect of temperature on catalase activity Background Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down toxic hydrogen peroxide in living cells, converting it to water and oxygen. Since catalase is a protein, its activity is affected by various conditions that could lead to full or partial denaturation, for example, change in pH, […]
Objective To determine the total lipids in food samples Background Many processed foods contain added fats and oils. We call these fats and oils, lipids. Lipids that are solid at room temperature are fats and those that are liquid at room temperature are oils. Lipids provide us with 9 calories of energy per gram. They […]
Gene Regulation at Transcriptional Termination In the previous article we saw how RNA polymerase determines how to start transcription. In this article, we will examine how it decides to end transcription. Before we dive in, however, let’s take some time to remind ourselves of the lay of the land. So far, we are well familiar […]
Objectives To determine if there is any difference in protein content between whole milk, 0%, 1%, and 2% milk. Introduction Milk is sold based on fat content. There is whole milk with most of the milk fat retained, 0% with no fat, and then 1% and 2% milk fat. In this lab, we will investigate […]
Prokaryotes are able to regulate gene expression by applying unique tricks in their toolbox. In prokaryotic cells, genes expression is regulated almost entirely at the level of the initiation of transcription. In eukaryotic cells, regulation of gene expression can occur at all stages of transcription and translation, and even after a protein is made. I […]
Objective To determine if there is any difference in lactose content between whole milk, 1%, 2%, and skimmed milk. Background Milk products are marketed based on the amount of fat present i.e.,whole milk, 1%, 2% milk, and skimmed milk. However, people who drink milk give very little attention to the lactose content in milk. Lactose […]
The total energy budget of a prokaryote cell with its 4.6 million nucleotides and 4,288 different genes, is about 10 billion ATP. This is significant. The cell must therefore make sure that this massive expenditure is wisely used by making the right genes at the right time in the right amounts. This article will explain […]
In the next series of articles I will be covering transcription in prokaryotes. I suppose that this is a topic that you have been introduced to in previous biology classes that you have taken. We will get a more in-depth look into the subject. However, before we dive in, let’s review a few basic concepts. […]
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. It is what gives your paper a purpose and provides a roadmap for your readers to understand exactly what the paper will cover. The last thing you want to do is confuse your readers with an overly complicated introduction that lacks focus. This article reveals the […]
